Fungicidal substance combinations

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising the known fungicidally active compounds N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, metalaxyl and strobilurin (3), which are highly suitable for controlling unwanted phytopathogenic fungi. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for the curative or preventive treatment of phytopathogenic fungi on plants or useful plants, in particular to the treatment of seed, for example seed of cereals, and not least to the treated seed itself.

The present invention relates to novel active compound combinationscomprising the known fungicidally active compoundsN-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,acylalanines and strobilurines, which are highly suitable forcontrolling unwanted phytopathogenic fungi. Moreover, the inventionrelates to a method for the curative or preventive treatment ofphytopathogenic fungi on plants or useful plants, in particular to thetreatment of seed, for example seed of cereals, and not least to thetreated seed itself.

It is already known thatN-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,acylalanines and strobilurines (3) each have fungicidal properties [cf.The Pesticide Manual, 13th Edition (2003), pages 468f., 304f. and923-925]. The activity of these compounds is good; however, in somecases it is unsatisfactory.

Since the ecological and economical demands made on modern fungicidesare increasing constantly, for example with respect to activityspectrum, toxicity, selectivity, application rate, formation of residuesand favourable manufacture, and there can furthermore be problems, forexample, with resistance, there is a constant need to develop novelfungicides which, at least in some areas, help to overcome thedisadvantages mentioned.

The present invention provides active compound combinations orcompositions which achieve the object at least in some aspects.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that the active compoundcombinations or compositions according to the invention do not onlyexhibit an additive effect of the activity of the individual components,but a synergistic effect. Therefore, firstly, the customary applicationrate of the individual substances can be reduced. Secondly, the activecompound combinations according to the invention offer a high degree ofactivity against phytopathogens even in cases where the individualcompounds are employed in amounts where, for their part, they no longershow (sufficient) activity. In principle, this allows, firstly, theactivity spectrum to be broadened and, secondly, better safety duringhandling.

In addition to the fungicidal synergistic activity, the active compoundcombinations according to the invention have further surprisingproperties which, in a wider sense, may also be called synergistic, suchas, for example: broadening of the activity spectrum, for example toresistant pathogens of plant diseases; lower application rates of theactive compounds; sufficient control of pests with the aid of the activecompound combinations according to the invention even at applicationrates where the individual compounds show no or virtually no activity;advantageous behaviour during formulation or during use, for exampleduring grinding, sieving, emulsifying, dissolving or application;improved storage stability and light stability; advantageous residueformation; improved toxicological or ecotoxicological behaviour;improved properties of the plant, for example better growth, increasedharvest yields, a better developed root system, a larger leaf area,greener leaves, stronger shoots, less seed required, lowerphytotoxicity, mobilization of the defence system of the plant, goodcompatibility with plants. Thus, the use of the active compoundcombinations or compositions according to the invention contributesconsiderably to keeping young plant stems healthy, which increases, forexample, the winter survival of the seed treated, and also safeguardsquality and yield. Moreover, the active compound combinations accordingto the invention may contribute to enhanced systemic action. Even if theindividual compounds of the combination have no sufficient systemicproperties, the active compound combinations according to the inventionmay still have this property. In a similar manner, the active compoundcombinations according to the invention may result in higher persistencyof the fungicidal action.

It has now been found that active compound combinations comprising

-   (1)    N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide    or salts thereof, and-   (2) at least one acylalanine of the general formula (I)

-   -   in which        * denotes a carbon atom in the R- or the S-configuration,        preferably in the S-configuration,        R¹ represents benzyl, furyl or methoxymethyl, or its salt;        and

-   (3) at least one strobilurine of the general formula (II)

in whichA¹ represents one of the groups

A² represents NH or O,A³ represents N or CH,L represents one of the groups

where the bond marked by an (*) is attached to the phenyl ring,R² represents phenyl, phenoxy or pyridinyl, each of which is optionallymono- or disubstituted by identical or different substituents from thegroup consisting of chlorine, cyano, methyl and trifluoromethyl, orrepresents 1-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl or represents 1,2-propanedionbis(O-methyloxim)-1-yl,R³ represents hydrogen or fluorine;or its salt,have very good fungicidal properties.

If the active compounds in the active compound combinations according tothe invention are present in certain weight ratios, the synergisticeffect is particularly pronounced. However, the weight ratios of theactive compounds in the active compound combinations can be variedwithin a relatively wide range.

In general,

0.005-500, preferably 0.01-100, particularly preferably 0.05-50, veryparticularly preferably 0.1-10, parts by weight of acylalanine (2) and0.005-500, preferably 0.01-100, particularly preferably 0.05-50, veryparticularly preferably 0.1-10, parts by weight ofN-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamideare present per part by weight of strobilurine (3).

The active compounds strobilurine (3), acylalanine (2) andN-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamidemay optionally be present in the form of their salts.

The acylalanines (2) of the formula (I) are preferably selected from thegroup consisting of:

-   (2-1) benalaxyl (known from DE-A 29 03 612) of the formula

-   (2-2) furalaxyl (known from DE-A 25 13 732) of the formula

-   (2-3) metalaxyl (known from DE-A 25 15 091) of the formula

-   (2-4) metalaxyl-M (known from WO 96/01559) of the formula

with metalaxyl and metalaxyl-M being particularly preferred.

The strobilurines (3) of the formula (II) are preferably selected fromthe group consisting of:

-   (3-1) azoxystrobin (known from EP-A 0 382 375) of the formula

-   (3-2) fluoxastrobin (known from DE-A 196 02 095) of the formula

-   (3-3) the compound (known from DE-A 196 46 407, EP-B 0 712 396) of    the formula

-   (3-4) trifloxystrobin (known from EP-A 0 460 575) of the formula

-   (3-5) the compound (known from EP-A 0 569 384) of the formula

-   (3-6) the compound (known from EP-A 0 596 254) of the formula

-   (3-7) orysastrobin (known from DE-A 195 39 324) of the formula

-   (3-8) the compound (known from WO 98/23155) of the formula

-   (3-9) kresoxim-methyl (known from EP-A 0 253 213) of the formula

-   (3-10) dimoxystrobin (known from EP-A 0 398 692) of the formula

-   (3-11) picoxystrobin (known from EP-A 0 278 595) of the formula

-   (3-12) pyraclostrobin (known from DE-A 44 23 612) of the formula

-   (3-13) metominostrobin (known from EP-A 0 398 692) of the formula

with trifloxystrobin or its salts being particularly preferred.

Particularly preferably,N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamideis combined with the following mixing partners (2) and (3):

-   (2-1) benalaxyl and at least one strobilurin (3) selected from the    group consisting of (3-1) azoxystrobin, (3-2) fluoxastrobin, (3-3),    (3-4) trifloxystrobin, (3-5), (3-6), (3-7) orysastrobin, (3-8),    (3-9) kresoxim-methyl, (3-10) dimoxystrobin, (3-11) picoxystrobin,    (3-12) pyraclostrobin, (3-13) metominostrobin and their salts or    mixtures.-   (2-2) furalaxyl and at least one strobilurin (3) selected from the    group consisting of (3-1) azoxystrobin, (3-2) fluoxastrobin, (3-3),    (3-4) trifloxystrobin, (3-5), (3-6), (3-7) orysastrobin, (3-8),    (3-9) kresoxim-methyl, (3-10) dimoxystrobin, (3-11) picoxystrobin,    (3-12) pyraclostrobin, (3-13) metominostrobin and their salts or    mixtures.-   (2-3) metalaxyl and at least one strobilurin (3) selected from the    group consisting of (3-1) azoxystrobin, (3-2) fluoxastrobin, (3-3),    (3-4) trifloxystrobin, (3-5), (3-6), (3-7) orysastrobin, (3-8),    (3-9) kresoxim-methyl, (3-10) dimoxystrobin, (3-11) picoxystrobin,    (3-12) pyraclostrobin, (3-13) metominostrobin and their salts or    mixtures.-   (2-4) metalaxyl-M and at least one strobilurin (3) selected from the    group consisting of (3-1) azoxystrobin, (3-2) fluoxastrobin, (3-3),    (3-4) trifloxystrobin, (3-5), (3-6), (3-7) orysastrobin, (3-8),    (3-9) kresoxim-methyl, (3-10) dimoxystrobin, (3-11) picoxystrobin,    (3-12) pyraclostrobin, (3-13) metominostrobin and their salts or    mixtures.

According to the invention, the term “active compound combination” meansvarious possible combinations of the three active compounds mentionedabove, such as, for example, readymixes, tank mixes (which is to beunderstood as meaning spray mixtures prepared prior to application fromthe formulations of the individual active compounds by mixing anddiluting) or combinations thereof (for example, a binary readymix of twoof the active compounds mentioned above is converted with a formulationof the third individual substance into a tank mix). According to theinvention, the individual active compounds may also be usedsuccessively, i.e. one after the other, within a reasonable interval ofa few hours or days, and, in the treatment of seed, also, for example,by applying a plurality of layers comprising different active compounds.Preferably, it is immaterial in which order the individual activecompounds may be employed.

The present invention furthermore relates to compositions comprising theactive compound combinations according to the invention. Preferably, thecompositions are fungicidal compositions comprising agriculturallysuitable carriers or extenders.

According to the invention, carrier is to be understood as meaning anatural or synthetic, organic or inorganic substance which is mixed orcombined with the active compounds for better applicability, inparticular for application to plants or plant parts or seeds. Thecarrier, which may be solid or liquid, is generally inert and should besuitable for use in agriculture.

Suitable solid carriers are: for example ammonium salts and naturalground minerals, such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz,attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground syntheticminerals, such as finely divided silica, alumina and natural orsynthetic silicates, resins, waxes, solid fertilizers, water, alcohols,especially butanol, organic solvents, mineral oils and vegetable oils,and also derivatives thereof. It is also possible to use mixtures ofsuch carriers. Solid carriers suitable for granules are: for examplecrushed and fractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble,pumice, sepiolite, dolomite, and also synthetic granules of inorganicand organic meals and also granules of organic material, such assawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks. Suitableemulsifiers and/or foam-formers are: for example nonionic and anionicemulsifiers, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylenefatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycol ethers,alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates, and also proteinhydrolysates. Suitable dispersants are: for example lignosulphite wasteliquors and methylcellulose.

Suitable liquefied gaseous extenders or carriers are liquids which aregaseous at ambient temperature and under atmospheric pressure, forexample aerosol propellants, such as butane, propane, nitrogen andcarbon dioxide.

Tackifiers, such as carboxymethylcellulose and natural and syntheticpolymers in the form of powders, granules and latices, such as gumarabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, or else naturalphospholipids, such as cephalins and lecithins and syntheticphospholipids can be used in the formulations. Other possible additivesare mineral and vegetable oils.

If the extender used is water, it is also possible for example, to useorganic solvents as auxiliary solvents. Suitable liquid solvents areessentially: aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene oralkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic compounds or chlorinatedaliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes ormethylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane orparaffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetableoils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol, and also ethers and estersthereof, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutylketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such asdimethylformamide and dimethyl sulphoxide, and also water.

The compositions according to the invention may comprise additionalfurther components, such as, for example, surfactants. Suitablesurfactants are emulsifiers, dispersants or wetting agents having ionicor nonionic properties, or mixtures of these surfactants. Examples ofthese are salts of polyacrylic acid, salts of lignosulphonic acid, saltsof phenolsulphonic acid or naphthalenesulphonic acid, polycondensates ofethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fattyamines, substituted phenols (preferably alkylphenols or arylphenols),salts of sulphosuccinic esters, taurine derivatives (preferably alkyltaurates), phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated alcohols or phenols,fatty esters of polyols, and derivatives of the compounds containingsulphates, sulphonates and phosphates. The presence of a surfactant isrequired if one of the active compounds and/or one of the inert carriersis insoluble in water and when the application takes place in water. Theproportion of surfactants is between 5 and 40 percent by weight of thecomposition according to the invention.

It is possible to use colorants such as inorganic pigments, for exampleiron oxide, titanium oxide, Prussian blue, and organic dyes, such asalizarin dyes, azo dyes and metal phthalocyanine dyes, and tracenutrients, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt,molybdenum and zinc.

If appropriate, other additional components may also be present, forexample protective colloids, binders, adhesives, thickeners, thixotropicsubstances, penetrants, stabilizers, sequestering agents, complexformers. In general, the active compounds can be combined with any solidor liquid additive customarily used for formulation purposes.

In general, the compositions according to the invention comprise between0.05 and 99 percent by weight of the active compound combinationaccording to the invention, preferably between 5 and 60 percent byweight, particularly preferably between 10 and 50 percent by weight,very particularly preferably 20 percent by weight.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention can be used as such or, depending on their respective physicaland/or chemical properties, in the form of their formulations or the useforms prepared therefrom, such as aerosols, capsule suspensions,cold-fogging concentrates, warm-fogging concentrates, encapsulatedgranules, fine granules, flowable concentrates for the treatment ofseed, ready-to-use solutions, dustable powders, emulsifiableconcentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions,macrogranules, microgranules, oil-dispersible powders, oil-miscibleflowable concentrates, oil-miscible liquids, foams, pastes,pesticide-coated seed, suspension concentrates, suspoemulsionconcentrates, soluble concentrates, suspensions, wettable powders,soluble powders, dusts and granules, water-soluble granules or tablets,water-soluble powders for the treatment of seed, wettable powders,natural products and synthetic substances impregnated with activecompound, and also microencapsulations in polymeric substances and incoating materials for seed, and also ULV cold-fogging and warm-foggingformulations.

The formulations mentioned can be prepared in a manner known per se, forexample by mixing the active compounds or the active compoundcombinations with at least one solvent or diluent, emulsifier,dispersant and/or binder or fixing agent, water repellant, appropriatesiccatives and UV stabilizers and, if appropriate, dyes and pigments,and also further processing auxiliaries.

The treatment according to the invention of the plants and plant partswith the active compound combinations or compositions is carried outdirectly or by action on their surroundings, habitat or storage spaceusing customary treatment methods, for example by dipping, spraying,atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging, broadcasting,foaming, painting, spreading-on, watering (drenching), drip irrigatingand, in the case of propagation material, in particular in the case ofseeds, furthermore as a powder for dry seed treatment, a solution forseed treatment, a water-soluble powder for slurry treatment, byincrusting, by coating with one or more coats, etc.

The compositions according to the invention do not only compriseready-to-use compositions which can be applied with suitable apparatusto the plant or the seed, but also commercial concentrates which have tobe diluted with water prior to use.

The active compound combinations according to the invention can bepresent in commercial formulations and in the use forms prepared fromthese formulations as a mixture with other active compounds, such asinsecticides, attractants, sterilants, bactericides, acaricides,nematicides, fungicides, growth regulators or herbicides.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention have strong microbicidal activity and can be used forcontrolling unwanted microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, in cropprotection and in the protection of materials.

In crop protection, fungicides can be used for controllingPlasmodiophoromycetes, Oomycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Zygomycetes,Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes.

In crop protection, bactericides can be used for controllingPseudomonadaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceaeand Streptomycetaceae.

The fungicidal compositions according to the invention can be used forthe curative or protective control of phytopathogenic fungi.Accordingly, the invention also relates to curative and protectivemethods for controlling phytopathogenic fungi using the active compoundcombinations or compositions according to the invention, which areapplied to the seed, the plant or plant parts, the fruit or the soil inwhich the plants grow.

According to the invention, it is possible to treat all plants and partsof plants. Plants are to be understood here as meaning all plants andplant populations, such as wanted and unwanted wild plants or cropplants (including naturally occurring crop plants). Crop plants can beplants which can be obtained by conventional breeding and optimizationmethods or by biotechnological and genetic engineering methods orcombinations of these methods, including the transgenic plants andincluding plant cultivars which can or cannot be protected by varietalproperty rights. Parts of plants are to be understood as meaning allabove-ground and below-ground parts and organs of the plants, such asshoot, leaf, flower and root, examples which may be mentioned beingleaves, needles, stems, trunks, flowers, fruit bodies, fruits and seedsand also roots, tubers and rhizomes. Plant parts also include harvestedmaterial and vegetative and generative propagation material, for exampleseedlings, tubers, rhizomes, cuttings and seeds.

The following plants may be mentioned as plants which can be treatedaccording to the invention: cotton, flax, grapevines, fruit, vegetable,such as Rosaceae sp. (for example pomaceous fruit, such as apples andpears, but also stone fruit, such as apricots, cherries, almonds andpeaches and soft fruit such as strawberries), Ribesioidae sp.,Juglandaceae sp., Betulaceae sp., Anacardiaceae sp., Fagaceae sp.,Moraceae sp., Oleaceae sp., Actimidaceae sp., Lauraceae sp., Musaceaesp. (for example banana trees and plantations), Rubiaceae sp. (forexample coffee), Theaceae sp., Sterculiceae sp., Rutaceae sp. (forexample lemons, oranges and grapefruit), Solanaceae sp. (for exampletomatoes), Liliaceae sp., Asteraceae sp. (for example lettuce),Umbelliferae sp., Cruciferae sp., Chenopodiaceae sp., Cucurbitaceae sp.(for example cucumbers), Alliaceae sp. (for example leek, onions),Papilionaceae sp. (for example peas); major crop plants, such Gramineaesp. (for example maize, lawn, cereals such as wheat, rye, rice, barley,oats, millet and triticale), Asteraceae sp. (for example sunflowers),Brassicaceae sp. (for example white cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli,cauliflowers, brussel sprouts, pak choi, kohlrabi, garden radish, andalso oilseed rape, canola, mustard, horseradish and cress), Fabacae sp.(for example beans, peas, lentils, peanuts), Papilionaceae sp. (forexample soya beans), Solanaceae sp. (for example potatoes),Chenopodiaceae sp. (for example sugarbeet, fodderbeet, swiss chard,beetroot); crop plants and ornamental plants in garden and forest; andalso in each case genetically modified varieties of these plants.

The method according to the invention for controlling phytopathogenicfungi can also be employed for treating genetically modified organisms,for example plants or seeds. Genetically modified plants are plantswhose genome has, stably integrated, a certain heterologous gene codingfor a certain protein. Here, “heterologous gene” is meant to beunderstood as a gene which confers novel agronomical properties on thetransformed plant, or a gene which improves the agronomical quality ofthe modified plant.

As already mentioned above, it is possible to treat all plants and theirparts according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, wild plantspecies and plant cultivars, or those obtained by conventionalbiological breeding methods, such as crossing or protoplast fusion, andparts thereof, are treated. In a further preferred embodiment,transgenic plants and plant cultivars obtained by genetic engineeringmethods, if appropriate in combination with conventional methods(genetically modified organisms), and parts thereof are treated. Theterms “parts”, “parts of plants” and “plant parts” have been explainedabove. Particularly preferably, plants of the plant cultivars which arein each case commercially available or in use are treated according tothe invention.

Depending on the plant species or plant cultivars, their location andgrowth conditions (soil, climate, vegetation period, diet), thetreatment according to the invention may also result in superadditive(“synergistic”) effects. Thus, for example, reduced application ratesand/or a widening of the activity spectrum and/or an increase in theactivity of the substances and compositions which can be used accordingto the invention, better plant growth, increased tolerance to high orlow temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soilsalt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting,accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, higher quality and/or ahigher nutritional value of the harvested products, better storagestability and/or processability of the harvested products are possible,which exceed the effects which were actually to be expected.

The preferred transgenic plants or plant cultivars (obtained by geneticengineering) which are to be treated according to the invention includeall plants which, by virtue of the genetic modification, receivedgenetic material which imparts particularly advantageous, useful traitsto these plants. Examples of such traits are better plant growth,increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance todrought or to water or soil salt content, increased floweringperformance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvestyields, higher quality and/or a higher nutritional value of theharvested products, better storage stability and/or processability ofthe harvested products. Further and particularly emphasized examples ofsuch traits are a better defence of the plants against animal andmicrobial pests, such as against insects, mites, phytopathogenic fungi,bacteria and/or viruses, and also increased tolerance of the plants tocertain herbicidally active compounds. Examples of transgenic plantswhich may be mentioned are the important crop plants, such as cereals(wheat, rice), vegetables (tomato), maize, soya beans, potatoes, cotton,oilseed rape, canola, and also fruit plants (with the fruits apples,pears, citrus fruits and grapes), and particular emphasis is given torice, maize, soya beans, potatoes, cotton, tomato, canola and oilseedrape.

The mixture ofN-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,trifloxystrobin and metalaxyl is particularly preferred for thefollowing crops: cereals, maize, soya beans, oilseed rape, canola,vegetables (in particular tomatoes), potatoes, cotton, sunflowers,leguminous plants (peas, beans, lentils . . . ).

“Traits” that are emphasized are in particular increased defence of theplants against insects by virtue of toxins formed in the plants, inparticular those formed in the plants by the genetic material fromBacillus thuringiensis (for example by the genes CryIA(a), CryIA(b),CryIA(c), CryIIA, CryIIIA, CryIIIB2, Cry9c Cry2Ab, Cry3Bb and CryIF andalso combinations thereof) (hereinbelow referred to as “Bt plants”).Traits that are also particularly emphasized are the increased toleranceof the plants to certain herbicidally active compounds, for exampleimidazolinones, sulphonylureas, glyphosate or phosphinotricin (forexample the “PAT” gene). The genes which impart the desired traits inquestion can also be present in combination with one another in thetransgenic plants. Examples of “Bt plants” which may be mentioned aremaize varieties, cotton varieties, soya bean varieties and potatovarieties which are sold under the trade names YIELD GARD® (for examplemaize, cotton, soya beans), KnockOut® (for example maize), StarLink®(for example maize), Bollgard® (cotton), Nucotn® (cotton) and NewLeaf®(potatoes). Examples of herbicide-tolerant plants which may be mentionedare maize varieties, cotton varieties and soya bean varieties which aresold under the trade names Roundup Ready® (tolerance to glyphosate, forexample maize, cotton, soya bean), Liberty Link® (tolerance tophosphinotricin, for example oilseed rape), IMI® (tolerance toimidazolinones) and STS® (tolerance to sulphonylureas, for examplemaize). Herbicide-resistant plants (plants bred in a conventional mannerfor herbicide tolerance) which may be mentioned include the varietiessold under the name Clearfield® (for example maize). Of course, thesestatements also apply to plant cultivars having these genetic traits orgenetic traits still to be developed, which plant cultivars will bedeveloped and/or marketed in the future.

Moreover, the active compound combinations according to the inventioncan be used in the protection of materials for protecting industrialmaterials against unwanted fungi. Industrial materials are, for example,paper, carpets, buildings, cooling and heating systems, wall coverings,insulation and air conditioning units. The active compound combinationsaccording to the invention may prevent disadvantageous effects, such asrotting, decay, discolouration, decolouration or formation of mould.

The method according to the invention for controlling unwanted fungi canalso be employed for protecting storage goods. Here, storage goods areto be understood as meaning natural substances of vegetable or animalorigin or processed products thereof of natural origin, for whichlong-term protection is desired. Storage goods of vegetable origin, suchas, for example, plants or plant parts, such stems, leaves, tubers,seeds, fruits, grains, can be protected freshly harvested or afterprocessing by (pre)drying, moistening, comminuting, grinding, pressingor roasting. Storage goods also include timber, both unprocessed, suchas construction timber, electricity poles and barriers, or in the formof finished products, such as furniture. Storage goods of animal originare, for example, hides, leather, furs and hairs. The active compoundcombinations according to the invention can prevent disadvantageouseffects, such as rotting, decay, discolouration, decolouration or theformation of mould.

Some pathogens of fungal or bacterial diseases which can be treatedaccording to the invention may be mentioned by way of example, but notby way of limitation:

Diseases caused by powdery mildew pathogens, such as, for example,Blumeria species, such as, for example, Blumeria graminis;Podosphaera species, such as, for example, Podosphaera leucotricha;Sphaerotheca species, such as, for example, Sphaerotheca fuliginea;Uncinula species, such as, for example, Uncinula necator;Diseases caused by rust disease pathogens, such as, for example,Gymnosporangium species, such as, for example, Gymnosporangium sabinaeHemileia species, such as, for example, Hemileia vastatrix;Phakopsora species, such as, for example, Phakopsora pachyrhizi andPhakopsora meibomiae;Puccinia species, such as, for example, Puccinia recondita or Pucciniatriticina;Uromyces species, such as, for example, Uromyces appendiculatus;Diseases caused by pathogens from the group of the Oomycetes, such as,for example,Bremia species, such as, for example, Bremia lactucae;Peronospora species, such as, for example, Peronospora pisi or P.brassicae;Phytophthora species, such as, for example Phytophthora infestans;Plasmopara species, such as, for example, Plasmopara viticola;Pseudoperonospora species, such as, for example, Pseudoperonosporahumuli or Pseudoperonospora cubensis;Pythium species, such as, for example, Pythium ultimum;Leaf blotch diseases and leaf wilt diseases caused, for example, byAlternaria species, such as, for example, Alternaria solani;Cercospora species, such as, for example, Cercospora beticola;Cladiosporium species, such as, for example, Cladiosporium cucumerinum;Cochliobolus species, such as, for example, Cochliobolus sativus(conidia form: Drechslera, Syn: Helminthosporium);Colletotrichum species, such as, for example, Colletotrichumlindemuthanium;Cycloconium species, such as, for example, Cycloconium oleaginum;Diaporthe species, such as, for example, Diaporthe citri;Elsinoe species, such as, for example, Elsinoe fawcettii;Gloeosporium species, such as, for example, Gloeosporium laeticolor;Glomerella species, such as, for example, Glomerella cingulata;Guignardia species, such as, for example, Guignardia bidwelli;Leptosphaeria species, such as, for example, Leptosphaeria maculans;Magnaporthe species, such as, for example, Magnaporthe grisea;Mycosphaerella species, such as, for example, Mycosphaerella graminicolaand M. fijiensis;Phaeosphaeria species, such as, for example, Phaeosphaeria nodorum;Pyrenophora species, such as, for example, Pyrenophora teres;Ramularia species, such as, for example, Ramularia collo-cygni;Rhynchosporium species, such as, for example, Rhynchosporium secalis;Septoria species, such as, for example, Septoria apii;Typhula species, such as, for example, Typhula incamata;Venturia species, such as, for example, Venturia inaequalis;Root and stem diseases caused, for example, byCorticium species, such as, for example, Corticium graminearum;Fusarium species, such as, for example, Fusarium oxysporum;Gaeumannomyces species, such as, for example, Gaeumannomyces graminis;Rhizoctonia species, such as, for example Rhizoctonia solani;Tapesia species, such as, for example, Tapesia acuformis;Thielaviopsis species, such as, for example, Thielaviopsis basicola;Ear and panicle diseases (including maize cobs) caused, for example, byAlternaria species, such as, for example, Alternaria spp.;Aspergillus species, such as, for example, Aspergillus flavus;Cladosporium species, such as, for example, Cladosporiumcladosporioides;Claviceps species, such as, for example, Claviceps purpurea;Fusarium species, such as, for example, Fusarium culmorum;Gibberella species, such as, for example, Gibberella zeae;Monographella species, such as, for example, Monographella nivalis;Diseases caused by smut fungi, such as, for example,Sphacelotheca species, such as, for example, Sphacelotheca reiliana;Tilletia species, such as, for example, Tilletia caries;Urocystis species, such as, for example, Urocystis occulta;Ustilago species, such as, for example, Ustilago nuda;Fruit rot caused, for example, byAspergillus species, such as, for example, Aspergillus flavus;Botrytis species, such as, for example, Botrytis cinerea;Penicillium species, such as, for example, Penicillium expansum and P.purpurogenum;Sclerotinia species, such as, for example, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum;Verticilium species, such as, for example, Verticilium alboatrum;Seed- and soil-borne rot and wilt diseases, and also diseases ofseedlings, caused, for example, byAlternaria species, such as, for example, Alternaria brassicicolaAphanomyces species, such as, for example, Aphanomyces euteichesAscochyta species, such as, for example, Ascochyta lentisAspergillus species, such as, for example, Aspergillus flavusCladosporium species, such as, for example, Cladosporium herbarumCochliobolus species, such as, for example, Cochliobolus sativus(conidia form: Drechslera, Bipolaris Syn: Helminthosporium);Colletotrichum species, such as, for example, Colletotrichum coccodes;Fusarium species, such as, for example, Fusarium culmorum;Gibberella species, such as, for example, Gibberella zeae;Macrophomina species, such as, for example, Macrophomina phaseolinaMonographella species, such as, for example, Monographella nivalis;Penicillium species, such as, for example, Penicillium expansumPhaeosphaeria species, such as, for example, Phaeosphaeria nodorum;Phoma species, such as, for example, Phoma lingamPhomopsis species, such as, for example, Phomopsis sojae;Phytophthora species, such as, for example, Phytophthora cactorum;Pyrenophora species, such as, for example, Pyrenophora gramineaPyricularia species, such as, for example, Pyricularia oryzae;Pythium species, such as, for example, Pythium ultimum;Rhizoctonia species, such as, for example, Rhizoctonia solani;Rhizopus species, such as, for example, Rhizopus oryzaeSclerotium species, such as, for example, Sclerotium rolfsii;Septoria species, such as, for example, Septoria nodorum;Typhula species, such as, for example, Typhula incarnata;Verticillium species, such as, for example, Verticillium dahliaeCancerous diseases, galls and witches' broom caused, for example, byNectria species, such as, for example, Nectria galligena;Wilt diseases caused, for example, byMonilinia species, such as, for example, Monilinia laxa;Deformations of leaves, flowers and fruits caused, for example, byTaphrina species, such as, for example, Taphrina deformans;Degenerative diseases of woody plants caused, for example, byEsca species, such as, for example, Phaemoniella clamydospora andPhaeoacremonium aleophilum and Fomitiporia mediterranea;Diseases of flowers and seeds caused, for example, byBotrytis species, such as, for example, Botrytis cinerea;Diseases of plant tubers caused, for example, byRhizoctonia species, such as, for example, Rhizoctonia solani;Helminthosporium species, such as, for example, Helminthosporium solani;Diseases caused by bacteriopathogens, such as, for example,Xanthomonas species, such as, for example, Xanthomonas campestris pv.oryzae;Pseudomonas species, such as, for example, Pseudomonas syringae pv.lachrymans;Erwinia species, such as, for example, Erwinia amylovora.Preference is given to controlling the following diseases of soya beans:fungal diseases on leaves, stems, pods and seeds caused, for example, byalternaria leaf spot (Alternaria spec. atrans tenuissima), anthracnose(Colletotrichum gloeosporoides dematium var. truncatum), brown spot(Septoria glycines), cercospora leaf spot and blight (Cercosporakikuchii), choanephora leaf blight (Choanephora infundibulifera trispora(Syn.)), dactuliophora leaf spot (Dactuliophora glycines), downy mildew(Peronospora manshurica), drechslera blight (Drechslera glycini),frogeye leaf spot (Cercospora sojina), leptosphaerulina leaf spot(Leptosphaerulina trifolii), phyllostica leaf spot (Phyllostictasojaecola), pod and stem blight (Phomopsis sojae), powdery mildew(Microsphaera diffusa), pyrenochaeta leaf spot (Pyrenochaeta glycines),rhizoctonia aerial, foliage, and web blight (Rhizoctonia solani), rust(Phakopsora pachyrhizi Phakopsora meibomiae), scab (Sphacelomaglycines), stemphylium leaf blight (Stemphylium botryosum), target spot(Corynespora cassiicola)Fungal diseases on roots and the stem base caused, for example, byblack root rot (Calonectria crotalariae), charcoal rot (Macrophominaphaseolina), fusarium blight or wilt, root rot, and pod and collar rot(Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium orthoceras, Fusarium semitectum, Fusariumequiseti), mycoleptodiscus root rot (Mycoleptodiscus terrestris),neocosmospora (Neocosmopspora vasinfecta), pod and stem blight(Diaporthe phaseolorum), stem canker (Diaporthe phaseolorum var.caulivora), phytophthora rot (Phytophthora megasperma), brown stem rot(Phialophora gregata), pythium rot (Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythiumirregulare, Pythium debaryanum, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium ultimum),rhizoctonia root rot, stem decay, and damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani),sclerotinia stem decay (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), sclerotinia Southernblight (Sclerotinia rolfsii), thielaviopsis root rot (Thielaviopsisbasicola).

The application rate of the active compound combinations according tothe invention is

-   -   when treating leaves: from 0.1 to 10 000 g/ha, preferably from        10 to 1 000 g/ha, particularly preferably from 50 to 300 g/ha        (when the application is carried out by watering or dripping, it        may even be possible to reduce the application rate, in        particular when inert substrates such as rock wool or perlite        are used);    -   when treating seed: from 0.01 to 200 g per 100 kg of seed,        preferably from 0.1 to 150 g per 100 kg of seed, particularly        preferably from 0.5 to 25 g per 100 kg of seed;    -   when treating the soil: from 0.1 to 10 000 g/ha, preferably from        1 to 5 000 g/ha.

These application rates are mentioned only by way of example and not byway of limitation in the sense of the invention.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention can thus be employed for protecting plants for a certainperiod of time after treatment against attack by the pathogensmentioned. The period for which protection is provided extends generallyfor 1 to 28 days, preferably 1 to 14 days, after the treatment of theplants with the active compounds, or for up to 200 days after seedtreatment.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention can also be used for preparing a medicament for the curativeor protective treatment of humans or animals against fungal diseases,such as mycoses, dermatoses, Trichophyton diseases and candidases ordiseases caused by Aspergillus spp., such as A. fumigatus.

In addition, by the treatment according to the invention it is possibleto reduce the mycotoxin content in the harvested material and thefoodstuff and feedstuff prepared therefrom. Particular, but notexclusive, mention may be made here of the following mycotoxins:deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol, 15-Ac-DON, 3-Ac-DON, T2- and HT2-toxin,fumonisine, zearalenon, moniliformin, fusarin, diaceotoxyscirpenol(DAS), beauvericin, enniatin, fusaroproliferin, fusarenol, ochratoxins,patulin, ergot alkaloids and aflatoxins produced, for example, by thefollowing fungi: Fusarium spec., such as Fusarium acuminatum, F.avenaceum, F. crookwellense, F. culmorum, F. graminearum (Gibberellazeae), F. equiseti, F. fujikoroi, F. musarum, F. oxysporum, F.proliferatum, F. poae, F. pseudograminearum, F. sambucinum, F. scirpi,F. semitectum, F. solani, F. sporotrichoides, F. langsethiae, F.subglutinans, F. tricinctum, F. verticillioides, inter alia, and also byAspergillus spec., Penicillium spec., Claviceps purpurea, Stachybotrysspec. inter alia.

The invention furthermore comprises a method for treating seed where theindividual active compounds are applied simultaneously to the seed.Moreover, the invention comprises a method for treating seed where theindividual active compounds are applied successively to the seed.Moreover, the invention comprises a method for treating seed where anindividual active compound is applied first, followed by a binarymixture of the two other active compounds. Alternatively, it is alsopossible to apply to the seed first a binary mixture, followed by theremaining individual active compound. If active compounds and/orindividual active compounds and binary mixtures are applied separately,this is preferably carried out as different layers. These layers mayadditionally be separated by layers without active compound.

The invention furthermore relates to seed treated according to one ofthe methods described in the preceding paragraph.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention are especially suitable for treating seed. A large part of thedamage to crop plants caused by harmful organisms is triggered by aninfection of the seed during storage or after sowing both during andafter germination of the plant. This phase is particularly criticalsince the roots and shoots of the growing plant are particularlysensitive, and even small damage may result in the death of the plant.Accordingly, there is great interest in protecting the seed and thegerminating plant by using appropriate compositions.

The control of phytopathogenic fungi by treating the seed of plants hasbeen known for a long time and is subject of continuous improvements.However, the treatment of seed entails a series of problems which cannotalways be solved in a satisfactory manner. Thus, it is desirable todevelop methods for protecting the seed and the germinating plant whichdispense with the additional application of crop protection agents aftersowing or after the emergence of the plants or where additionalapplication which at least considerably reduce. It is furthermoredesirable to optimize the amount of active compound employed in such away as to provide maximum protection for the seed and the germinatingplant from attack by phytopathogenic fungi, but without damaging theplant itself by the active compound employed. In particular, methods forthe treatment of seed should also take into consideration the intrinsicfungicidal properties of transgenic plants in order to achieve optimumprotection of the seed and the germinating plant with a minimum of cropprotection agents being employed.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates in particular to amethod for protecting seed and germinating plants against attack byphytopathogenic fungi by treating the seed with a composition accordingto the invention. The invention also relates to the use of thecompositions according to the invention for treating seed for protectingthe seed and the germinating plant against phytopathogenic fungi.Furthermore, the invention relates to seed treated with a compositionaccording to the invention for protection against phytopathogenic fungi.

The control of phytopathogenic fungi which damage plants post-emergenceis carried out primarily by treating the soil and the above-ground partsof plants with crop protection compositions. Owing to the concernsregarding a possible impact of the crop protection composition on theenvironment and the health of humans and animals, there are efforts toreduce the amount of active compounds applied.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that, because of theparticular systemic properties of the compositions according to theinvention, treatment of the seed with these compositions not onlyprotects the seed itself, but also the resulting plants after emergence,from phytopathogenic fungi. In this manner, the immediate treatment ofthe crop at the time of sowing or shortly thereafter can be dispensedwith.

It is also considered to be advantageous that the compositions accordingto the invention can be used in particular also for transgenic seedwhere the plant growing from this seed is capable of expressing aprotein which acts against pests. By treating such seed with the activecompound combinations or compositions according to the invention, evenby the expression of the, for example, insecticidal protein, certainpests may be controlled. Surprisingly, a further synergistic effect maybe observed here, which additionally increases the effectiveness of theprotection against attack by pests.

The compositions according to the invention are suitable for protectingseed of any plant variety employed in agriculture, in the greenhouse, inforests or in horticulture or viticulture. In particular, this takes theform of seed of maize, peanuts, oilseed rape, canola, poppies, olives,coconuts, cocao, soya bean, beets (for example sugarbeets and fodderbeets), rice, millet, wheat, barley, rye, oats, cotton, potatoes,sunflowers, sugarcane, tobacco, beans, coffee, vegetables (such astomatoes, cucumbers, onions and lettuce), leguminous plants (beans,peas, lentils), lawn and ornamental plants.

As already described, the treatment of transgenic seed with the activecompound combinations or compositions according to the invention is ofparticular importance. This refers to the seed of plants containing atleast one heterologous gene which allows the expression of a polypeptideor peptide having insecticidal properties. The heterologous gene intransgenic seed can originate, for example, from microorganisms of thespecies Bacillus, Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Trichoderma,Clavibacter, Glomus or Gliocladium. Preferably, this heterologous geneis from Bacillus sp., the gene product having activity against theEuropean corn borer and/or the Western corn rootworm. Particularlypreferably, the heterologous gene originates from Bacillusthuringiensis.

In the context of the present invention, the active compoundcombinations or compositions according to the invention are applied ontheir own or in a suitable formulation to the seed. Preferably, the seedis treated in a stable state, so that the treatment does not cause anydamage. In general, treatment of the seed may take place at any point intime between harvesting and sowing. Usually, the seed used is separatedfrom the plant and freed from cobs, shells, stalks, coats, hairs or theflesh of the fruits.

Thus, it is possible to use, for example, seed which has been harvested,cleaned and dried to a moisture content of less than 15% by weight.Alternatively, it is also possible to use seed which, after drying, hasbeen treated, for example, with water and then dried again.

When treating the seed, care must generally be taken that the amount ofthe composition according to the invention applied to the seed and/orthe amount of further additives is chosen in such a way that thegermination of the seed is not adversely affected, or that the resultingplant is not damaged. This must be borne in mind in particular in thecase of active compounds which may have phytotoxic effects at certainapplication rates.

The compositions according to the invention can be applied directly,that is to say without comprising further components and without havingbeen diluted. In general, it is preferable to apply the compositions tothe seed in the form of a suitable formulation. Suitable formulationsand methods for the treatment of seed are known to the person skilled inthe art and are described, for example, in the following documents: U.S.Pat. No. 4,272,417 A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,432 A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,430A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,739 A, US 2003/0176428 A1, WO 2002/080675 A1, WO2002/028186 A2.

In fungicides, a synergistic effect is always present when thefungicidal activity of the active compound combinations is greater thanthe expected activity which, for a given combination of 2 or 3 activecompounds, is calculated as follows according to S. R. Colby(“Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of HerbicideCombinations”, Weeds 1967, 15, 20-22):

If

-   X is the efficacy when active compound A is applied at an    application rate of m g/ha,-   Y is the efficacy when active compound B is applied at an    application rate of n g/ha,-   E₁ is the efficacy when the active compounds A and B are applied at    application rates of m and n g/ha, respectively, and-   E₂ is the efficacy when the active compounds A and B and C are    applied at application rates of m and n and r g/ha, respectively,    then    or

$E_{1} = {X + Y - \frac{X \cdot Y}{100}}$$E_{2} = {X + Y + Z - \frac{\left( {{X \cdot Y} + {X \cdot Z} + {Y \cdot Z}} \right)}{100} + \frac{X \cdot Y \cdot Z}{10000}}$

Here, the efficacy is determined in %. 0% means an efficacy whichcorresponds to that of the control, whereas an efficacy of 100% meansthat no infection is observed.

If the actual fungicidal activity is greater than calculated, theactivity of the combination is superadditive, i.e. a synergistic effectis present. In this case, the efficacy actually observed must be greaterthan the value, calculated using the formula given above, for theexpected efficacy E₁.

The invention is illustrated by the example below. (However, theinvention is not limited to the example.)

EXAMPLES Gibberella zeae Test (In Vitro)/Microtitre Plates

The microtest is carried out in microtitre plates using Potato DextroseBroth (PDB) as liquid test medium. The active compounds are used astechnical-grade a.i., dissolved in methanol. For inoculation, asuspension of Gibberella zeae spores is used. After 5 days of incubationin the dark and with shaking (10 Hz), the transparency of each filledcavity of the microtitre plates is determined with the aid of aspectrophotometer.

Here, 0% means an efficacy which corresponds to the growth in thecontrols, whereas an efficacy of 100% means that no fungal growth isobserved.

The table below clearly shows that the activity found for the activecompound combination according to the invention is greater than thecalculated activity, i.e. that a synergistic effect is present.

TABLE Gibberella zeae test (in vitro)/microtest Application rate ofActive compound active compound in known: ppm % efficacyN-[2-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl- 0.6 71H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide & metalaxyl Trifloxystrobin 0.3 40 Mixtureaccording to the invention: Application rate of active Expected valuecompound in calculated using Mixing ratio ppm Actual efficacy Colby'sformula N-[2-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)- 2:1 0.6 + 0.3 61 44phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3- dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4- carboxamide & metalaxyl +trifloxystrobinPyrenophora teres Test (Barley)/Protective

Solvent: 50 parts by weight of N,N-dimethylacetamide Emulsifier:  1 partby weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weightof active compound or active compound combination is mixed with thestated amounts of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is dilutedwith water to the desired concentration, or a commercial formulation ofactive compound or active compound combination is diluted with water tothe desired concentration.

To test for protective activity, young plants are sprayed with theactive compound preparation at the stated application rate. After thespray coating has dried on, the plants are sprayed with a conidiasuspension of Pyrenophora teres. The plants remain in an incubationcabin at 20° C. and 100% relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

The plants are then placed in a greenhouse at a temperature of about 20°C. and a relative atmospheric humidity of about 80%.

Evaluation is carried out 10 days after the inoculation. Here, 0% meansan efficacy which corresponds to that of the control, whereas anefficacy of 100% means that no infection is observed.

TABLE Pyrenophora teres test (barley)/protective Application rate ofactive Efficacy in % Active compound compound in g/ha found* calc.** (I)N-[2-(1,3- 62.5 67 Dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole- 4-carboxamide (II) trifloxystrobin 62.5 78(III) Metalaxyl 125 22 (I) + (II) 1:1  62.5 + 62.5 94 93 (I) + (III) 1:262.5 + 125 89 74 (II) + (IV) 1:2 62.5 + 125 94 83 (I) + (II) + (III)1:1:2 62.5 + 62.5 + 125 100 94 *found = activity found **calc. =activity calculated using Colby's formula

1. An active compound combination, comprising (1)N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamideand/or a salt thereof, and (2) at least one acylalanine of formula (I)

in which * denotes a carbon atom in the R- or the S-configuration, R¹represents benzyl, furyl or methoxymethyl, and/or a salt thereof; and(3) at least one strobilurin of formula (II)

in which A¹ represents one of the groups

A² represents NH or O, A³ represents N or CH, L represents one of thegroups

where the bond marked by an (*) is attached to the phenyl ring, R²represents phenyl, phenoxy or pyridinyl, each of which is optionallymono- or disubstituted by identical or different substituents from thegroup consisting of chlorine, cyano, methyl and trifluoromethyl, orrepresents 1-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl or represents 1,2-propanedionbis(O-methyloxim)-1-yl, R³ represents hydrogen or fluorine; and/or asalt thereof;
 2. An active compound combination according to claim 1,where 0.005-500 parts by weight of strobilurin (3) and 0.005-500 partsby weight ofN-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamideare used per part by weight of triazole (3).
 3. An active compoundcombination according to claim 1, where the acylalanine (2) is selectedfrom the group consisting of (2-1) benalaxyl, (2-2) furalaxyl, (2-3)metalaxyl, and (2-4) metalaxyl-M.
 4. Active compound combinationaccording to claim 1, where the strobilurin (3) is selected from thegroup consisting of (3-1) azoxystrobin, (3-2) fluoxastrobin, (3-3),(3-4) trifloxystrobin, (3-5), (3-6), (3-7) orysastrobin, (3-8), (3-9)kresoxim-methyl, (3-10) dimoxystrobin, (3-11) picoxystrobin, (3-12)pyraclostrobin, and (3-13) metominostrobin and/or a salt and/or amixture thereof.
 5. An active compound combination according to claim 1,where the acylalanine (2) is selected from the group consisting ofmetalaxyl and metalaxyl-M, and the strobilurin (3) is trifloxystrobin.6. An active compound combination according to claim 1, which arefungicidally active.
 7. A composition comprising an active compoundcombination according to claim
 1. 8. A composition according to claim 7,further comprising at best one auxiliary, solvent, carrier, surfactantand/or extender.
 9. A method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi incrop protection or in the protection of materials, comprising applying acomposition according to claim 7 to seed a plant, to fruits of plantsand/or to soil on which a plant grows and/or is supposed to grow.
 10. Amethod according to claim 9, wherein the active compounds (1), (2) and(3) are applied simultaneously or in succession.
 11. A method accordingto claim 9, wherein in the treatment of leaves from 0.1 to 10 000 g/haare used, in the treatment of seed from 0.01 to 200 g per 100 kg of seedare used, and in the soil treatment from 0.1 to 10 000 g/ha are used.12. An active compound combination according to claim 1 capable ofcontrolling unwanted phytopathogenic fungi in crop protection and/or inthe protection of materials.
 13. An active compound combinationaccording to claim 1 suitable for treating seed.
 14. An active compoundcombination according to any claim 1 suitable for treating transgenicplants.
 15. Seed treated with an active compound combination accordingto claim 1.